| Content Note | Topics discussed:
Discussion about the care of the 29 British graves in the Zeebrugge churchyard, which were being looked after by the Belgian ‘Nos Tombes’ organisation. Also refers to German War Graves Commission’s request to care for the British graves in addition to 174 German graves as an act of reciprocity. The importance of the maintenance of standards was agreed, and some felt the Germans would look after them more efficiently. General acceptance of this proposal but several members voiced their opinions that relatives should be consulted. [Some of the text on the above topic was struck through by pencil as if to be redacted.]
Reports of recent ceremonies presented, including a Portuguese one at Lacouture on the anniversary of the Battle of the Lys and an American one at Brookwood.
It was reported that a large number of visitors were able to attend the Arras and Somme (Thiepval) Memorials on the days the unveiling was due to take place. Despite bad weather, 795 signed the book at Arras and 1425 at Thiepval. [Preceding topic was struck through by pencil as if to be redacted.] Ticket requests and preparations for the revised dates were proceeding.
Mr Spens had recently spent time in France and Belgium to discuss staffing matters and would be willing to go again to advise on any appeals to the Staff Committee.
The O.B.E. had been awarded to Captain Haworth, and the B.E.M. to one of the gardeners, Mr. Roberts.
The Vice-Chairman discussed a correction to the minutes of the 150th meeting. This related to the Dominion Governments opportunity to assist the UK Government with the funding of the Commission, caused by the fall in the value of Sterling. In particular, the Vice-Chairman wanted to clarify the funding with regard to the Canadian Government. [Preceding topic was struck through by pencil as if to be redacted.]
The Vice-Chairman reported on how many graves in the United Kingdom were maintained by the local authorities at no cost to the Commission. A letter expressing the Commission’s gratitude to all these authorities was proposed, but without mentioning the financial aspects as it was thought some local ratepayers might ask why they were paying while the maintenance of similar graves elsewhere was centrally funded.
Report Of The 210th Meeting Of The Finance Committee
Reported that the Béthune Mining Company had admitted responsibility for the damage to the Loos Memorial. They would carry out the repairs and it was hoped this would mean they accepted liability for any future damage. Colonel Robinson elaborated on the damage caused. Mr Spens and the mining engineer expressed concern that there might be further subsidence, but Colonel Robinson thought this would be prevented by the work being done.
Agreement to extend Exchange Relief for a further month.
Report presented that an Englishman had bought the land opposite the Ploegsteert Memorial and proposed opening a canteen hut on it. He was, however, offering the land to the Commission at a prohibitive price. It was agreed that the Commission would write a strong letter to the Belgian Government asking what action, if any, could be taken.
The Treasury were believed to hand over without charge the furniture used by the Commission for many years.
A small sum of money for the maintenance of the statue to General Maude in Baghdad would be passed on to the Iraq Government as it was too small (£27) for the Commission to control.
A memorial standard had been presented to the Commission to be placed in the St. Sever Chapel in Rouen. Other such donations had been placed there. It was not known if the chapel was consecrated or much used. Colonel Vanier to look into this and also whether difficulties over consecration between the English and Roman Catholic Churches could be overcome.
Anglo-Belgian Mixed Committee
Mentions that M. Paul Hymans was approved as an honorary member and Général-Major Carbonnolle was approved as an official member of the Committee. Thanks were expressed to Lieutenant-General Baron Rucquoy who was stepping down.
Staff Terminations
Staff terminations of Messrs. L.E. Shonfield (Chief Clerk of Works, France) and A.W.V. Innes (Registrar, London) announced, with acknowledgement of Mr Shonfield’s work in France, particularly in connection with the La Ferte Memorial.
Vice-Chairman announced that Mr Klerck and Colonel Vanier would attend the unveiling ceremonies as representatives of South Africa and Canada respectively, and New Zealand would be represented despite Sir Thomas Wilford’s absence.
Attendees:
Major-General Sir Fabian Ware, K.C.V.O., K.B.E., C.B., C.M.G. (Vice-Chairman, in the Chair)
Colonel W.W. Chitty, C.M.G., C.I.E. (Representing the Secretary of State for India)
Lieut.-Colonel G.P. Vanier, D.S.O., M.C. (Representing the High Commissioner for Canada)
V.G. Housden, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for New Zealand)
G.W. Klerck, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for South Africa)
J.L. Murphy, Esq. (Representing the High Commissioner for Newfoundland)
Rudyard Kipling, Esq.
Captain Lord Stanley, M.C., M.P.
J.J. Lawson, Esq., M.P.
W.P. Spens, Esq., C.B.E., K.C., M.P. |